IRA LEVY A MAN WITH A PLAN

Rome’s historic downtown, Between the Rivers District, is always among the first things visitors notice. The historic district is a big part of what attracted Ira and Libby Levy to Rome from Sandy Springs in the mid-80s, and downtown hasn’t been the same since the couple planted roots in Rome.

The couple was on their way to check out a property on Weiss Lake when they drove through Rome, saw the Clocktower, and decided to give the downtown area a once-over. As the late commentator Paul Harvey might have said, ‘the rest of the story’ can be seen all over the central part of the city.

Ira and Libby have always been interested in preserving the city’s historic flavor. Over the years, they have invested millions of dollars in saving several historic structures.

“When we first married, we bought a brownstone in Chicago in a changing neighborhood. We converted the brownstone from multifamily to single-family,” Ira said. Everywhere we’ve lived, we’ve purchased and renovated old homes.”

Libby is an artist with a keen vision for what “can be” after a project is completed. “When we moved to Rome, it was the natural thing to do,” Levy said.

The old Heilig Meyers/Sterchi’s building at the corner of Fourth and Broad was the first to be rehabbed by the couple. The old Forrest Hotel followed soon thereafter, and the list continues. That project won the Levys the Renaissance Award from the Georgia Cities Foundation.

Levy became the second redeveloper of the old Battey Buildings at Second Avenue and West First Street. In the 80s, a previous group converted the former hardware structure into loft apartments. Levy acquired them as part of a group of investors and converted the property into a Hawthorn Suites by Wyndham boutique hotel.

The franchise agreement with Wyndham expires later this year and Levy has already inked a deal to convert it into a Hilton Tapestry property. “There will be extensive renovations, especially in the older section of the property right at Second Avenue and West First Street, the original 38 rooms. All of the corridors, wallpaper, and paint will be changed, and tubs will be pulled out of the bathrooms to make way for roomy showers. All the bathroom sinks will be removed and replaced with a more modern type of cabinetry, and countertops will be replaced in the kitchens. All the carpet will be gone in the kitchens.

The renovations will include the Off Broad Bar and breakfast nook. Longtime plans for an addition to the property have been put on hold pending more favorable interest rates.

Levy acquired the old Adams Furniture and Atlanta Gas Light buildings in the 500 block and converted them for business and residential use.

He recently demolished a dilapidated Third Avenue and Broad building and built new condominium units over ground-floor retail space. “That was my first, only, and last “new” construction project, Levy said.

Levy also acquired the former Georgia Power buildings at the intersection of Broad Street and Turner McCall. He found a major client and undertook a significant renovation of the building on the corner to make it a highly sought-after business location.

He has also acquired the building next to the Rome History Center on Broad Street and is converting the upper floor into residential units. He has also ventured into the river district on North Fifth Avenue acquiring the former Fifth Avenue Baptist Church but has not completed plans for that property yet. Expect more residential units.

Ira claims he does not have a favorite project in Rome and explains that each has had its unique challenges. The city’s efforts to bring building inspectors, the fire marshal, and the engineering office together at the same time to review major projects have benefited his projects.

Levy has served as chairman of The Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation and is a board member emeritus.

The Heart of the Community Foundation honored the couple as a Board of Governors Award winner in 2018.

Levy sold his primary business, Paper Recovery, a paper recycling company located off Sixth Street, almost two years ago. The sale will allow the couple to travel more in the future, something they might enjoy more than rehabbing old buildings.

Maybe?

The transformed Heilig Meyers/Sterchi’s building is now home to retailers and professional offices.

The transformed Heilig Meyers/Sterchi’s building is now home to retailers and professional offices.

The transformed Heilig Meyers/Sterchi’s building is now home to retailers and professional offices.